Bursa: Flames from forest fires came close to residential neighborhoods in the western Turkish province of Bursa, resulting in more than 1,700 people being brought to safety and an animal shelter evacuated, according to official reports.
According to Ghana News Agency, three firefighting planes and three helicopters were in use from early Sunday morning, the Forestry Ministry said. Fires cannot be fought from the air at night because the operation is too dangerous.
More than 1,000 volunteers are reported to be fighting the flames. The fire broke out on Saturday evening and spread quickly due to winds.
In the north-west Turkish province of Karabk, firefighters have been battling the flames for the fourth day in a row. A total of 18 villages have been evacuated there.
Fires in other provinces, such as the holiday region of Antalya, are now under control, officials said. The cause of the fires was initially unclear.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 21 people have been in custody since the end of June due to numerous forest fires. No details were given.
